Solvent-Assisted One-Pot Synthesis and Self-Assembly of 4-Aminothiophenol-Capped Gold Nanoparticles

Amine-Anchored Aromatic Self-Assembled Monolayer Junction: Structure and Electric Transport Properties

We studied the structure and transport properties of aromatic amine self-assembled monolayers (NH₂-SAMs) on an Au surface. The oligophenylene and oligoacene amines with variable lengths can form a densely packed and uniform monolayer under proper assembly conditions. Molecular junctions incorporating an eutectic Ga-In (EGaIn) top electrode were used to characterize the charge transport properties of the amine monolayer. The current density J of the junction decreases exponentially with the molecular length (d), as J = J₀ exp(-βd), which is a sign of tunneling transport, with indistinguishable values of J₀ and β for NH₂-SAMs of oligophenylene and oligoacene, indicating a similar molecule-electrode contact and tunneling barrier for two groups of molecules. Compared with the oligophenylene and oligoacene molecules with thiol (SH) as the anchor group, a similar β value (∼0.35 Å^-1) of the aromatic NH₂-SAM suggests a similar tunneling barrier, while a lower (by 2 orders of magnitude) injection current J₀ is attributed to lower electronic coupling Γ of the amine group with the electrode. These observations are further supported by single-level tunneling model fitting. Our study here demonstrates the NH₂-SAMs can work as an effective active layer for molecular junctions, and provide key physical parameters for the charge transport, paving the road for their applications in functional devices.

Highly efficient adsorption behavior and mechanism of Urea-Fe3O4@LDH for triphenyl phosphate

The emergence of organophosphorus flame retardants and the efficient removal from aquatic environments have aroused increasing concerns. The Urea functionalized Fe₃O₄@LDH (Urea-Fe₃O₄@LDH) was prepared and used to adsorb triphenyl phosphate (tphp) for the first time. The tphp adsorption capacity was up to 589 mg g^-1, and the adsorption rate reached 49.9 mg g^-1 min^-1. Moreover, the influences of various environmental factors (pH, ionic strength and organic matter) on the tphp adsorption on the Urea-Fe₃O₄@LDH were investigated. The initial pH of the solution significantly affected the tphp adsorption, whereas the ionic strength and HA slightly affected the adsorption. The main adsorption mechanism was attributed to electrostatic interaction and π-π interaction. We believe that urea is one of excellent functional groups for the tphp adsorption removal and the materials with urea groups as the adsorbents exhibit good prospects in the future.

DMF/NaOH/H2O: a metal-free system for efficient and chemoselective reduction of α-ketoamides

A metal-free method for efficient and chemoselective reduction of α-ketoamides using DMF/NaOH/H₂O system has been developed.

Beyond a solvent: triple roles of dimethylformamide in organic chemistry

N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) is frequently used as an aprotic solvent in chemical transformations in laboratories of academia as well as in those of chemical industry. In the present review, we will reveal that DMF is actually something much more than a solvent. It is a unique chemical since, as well as being an effective polar aprotic solvent, it can play three other important roles in organic chemistry. It can be used as a reagent, a catalyst, and a stabilizer.

Toward Highly Luminescent and Stabilized Silica-Coated Perovskite Quantum Dots through Simply Mixing and Stirring under Room Temperature in Air

Methylammonium (MA) lead halide (MAPbX₃, X = Cl, Br, I) perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) are very sensitive to environment (moisture, oxygen, and temperature), suffering from poor stability. To improve the stability, we synthesized silica-coated PQDs (SPQDs) by an improved ligand-assisted reprecipitation method through simply mixing and stirring under room temperature in air without adding water and catalyst, the whole process took only a few seconds. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the SPQDs can be tuned continuously from 460 to 662 nm via adjusting the composition proportion of precursors. The highest PL quantum yields (PLQYs) of blue-, green-, and red-emissive SPQDs are 56, 95, and 70%, respectively. The SPQDs show remarkably improved environmental and thermal stability compared to the naked PQDs because of effective barrier created by the coated silica between the core materials and the ambience. Furthermore, it is found that different light-emitting SPQDs can maintain their original PL properties after mixing of them and anion-exchange reactions have not happened. These attributes were then used to mix green- and yellow-emissive SPQDs with polystyrene (PS) to form color-converting layers for the fabrication of white light-emitting devices (WLEDs). The WLEDs exhibit excellent white light characteristics with CIE 1931 color coordinates of (0.31, 0.34) and color rendering index (CRI) of 85, demonstrating promising applications of SPQDs in lighting and displays.

Biological response of HeLa cells to gold nanoparticles coated with organic molecules

In this work, gold nanospheres functionalized with low weight organic molecules (4-aminothiphenol and cysteamine) were synthesized in a one-step method for their in vitro cytotoxic evaluation on HeLa cells. To enhance the biocompatibility of the cysteamine-capped GNPs, BSA was used due to its broad PH stability and high binding affinity to gold nanoparticles. Besides, the widely reported silica coated gold nanorods were tested here to contrast their toxic response against our nanoparticles coated with organic molecules. Our results shown, the viability measured at 1.9×10^-5M did not show significant differences against negative controls for all the samples; however, the metabolic activity of HeLa cells dropped when they were exposed to silica gold nanorods in the range of concentrations from 2.9×10^-7M to 3.0×10^-4M, while in the cases of gold nanospheres, we found that only at concentrations below 1.9×10^-5M metabolic activity was normal. Our preliminary results did not indicate any perceivable harmful toxicity to cell membrane, cytoskeleton or nucleus due to our nanospheres at 1.9×10^-5M. Additional test should be conducted in order to ensure a safe use of them for biological applications, and to determine the extent of possible damage.

Efficient and Stable White LEDs with Silica-Coated Inorganic Perovskite Quantum Dots

A white light-emitting diode (0.33, 0.33) is fabricated using perovskite quantum dot/silica composites. It is shown to have greatly improved stability.

Volume phase transition of electron beam cross-linked thermo-responsive PVME nanogels in the presence and absence of nanoparticles: with a view toward rheology and interactions

We investigate the effect of nanoparticles and radiation dose on interactions in the PVME-based nanogel system and its phase behavior (swelling/deswelling behavior and phase separation mechanism) by rheological and FTIR measurements.

Growth pathways of silver nanoplates in kinetically controlled synthesis: bimodal versus unimodal growth

In the kinetically controlled synthesis, the growth of Ag nanoplates proceeded along different pathways depending on the concentration of PVP serving as both a reducing agent and a stabilizer.

Photochemically mediated synthesis of a gold colloid by dithizone and its application in the amperometric sensing of thiocyanate

Au–DTZH was synthesized by a one-step photochemical route and used for the amperometric sensing of thiocyanate. The modified electrode has a sensitivity of 16 nA nM⁻¹ and a limit of detection of 23.35 nM at a potential of 0.55 V vs. Ag/AgCl.

Recent developments in one-pot tandem oxidation process coupling reactions

The recent additions to the tandem oxidation process (TOP) research area are reviewed.

Functionalized gold magic clusters: Au25(SPhNH2)17

New Au(25) nanoclusters stabilized by heterotopic 4-aminothiophenolate ligands (HSPhNH(2)) have been isolated with a yield of ~70%. The nanoclusters formula determined by ESI-MS is Au(25)(SPhNH(2))(17), with the 18(th) position occupied by an amine or DMF molecules to close their electronic shell.

Mediator free cholesterol biosensor based on self-assembled monolayer platform

Self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) has been investigated for immobilization of bi-enzymes (ChOx and ChEt) towards development of enzyme biosensors for detection of free and total cholesterol. This enzyme immobilized SAM surface has been characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical measurements. The results of electrochemical response studies reveal fast enzymatic reaction in phosphate buffer saline solution without using any artificial mediator. This may be attributed to the molecular wire type behavior of short 4-ATP molecule that promotes electron transfer between enzyme and the electrode surface due to its conjugated structure. Interference free estimation of free and total cholesterol has been realized at low operating potential of 0.33 V with range of detection as 25 to 400 mg dl(-1), sensitivity of 542.3 nA mM(-1) (for ChOx/4-ATP/Au) and 886.6 nA mM(-1) (for ChEt-ChOx/4-ATP/Au) with a response time of 20 s at pH 7.4.

Controllable synthesis and luminescent properties of novel erythrocyte-like CaMoO4 hierarchical nanostructures via a simple surfactant-free hydrothermal route

Synthesis of metal molybdates (XMoO(4), X = Ca, Sr, Ba) have received much attention recently because of their interesting structural and luminescent properties. Here novel erythrocyte-like CaMoO(4) hierarchical nanostructures are synthesized via a simple surfactant-free hydrothermal route. The formation of the calcium molybdate erythrocytes is controllable through adjusting the fundamental experimental parameters including reaction time, temperature and DMAc to H(2)O ratio. The as-synthesized products are characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the nucleation and growth of the novel erythrocyte-like CaMoO(4) hierarchical nanostructures are governed by an oriented attachment growth mechanism. The luminescent properties of the CaMoO(4) erythrocytes are then studied using a spectrophotometer and the erythrocyte-like CaMoO(4) nanostructures display a strong blue emission. This study provides an easy surfactant-free synthetic route for the controllable construction of inorganic materials with high hierarchy in the absence of any surfactants.

Zinc phthalocyanine and silver/gold nanoparticles incorporated MCM-41 type materials as electrode modifiers

Mercaptopropyl functionalized ordered mesoporous silica spheres were prepared (MPS). Ag or Au nanoparticles (NPs) were anchored onto the MPS materials (Ag-MPS or Au-MPS). Further, zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) was adsorbed into the channels and surface (MPS-ZnPc, Ag-MPS-ZnPc, Au-MPS-ZnPc). Diffuse reflectance studies revealed the successful incorporation of Ag or Au NPs inside the silica spheres with and without ZnPc. TEM images showed the uniform distribution of Ag or Au NPs in the silica spheres of different size ranging from 4 to 22 nm or 6 to 31 nm, respectively. XRD pattern showed average crystallite particle size of 18 or 28 nm for Ag or Au NPs respectively which were reduced to 14 or 16 nm on introduction of ZnPc which oxidizes the metal NPs partially. Chemically modified electrodes were prepared by coating the colloidal solutions of the silica materials on the glassy carbon (GC) electrodes. Electrocatalytic reductions of O(2) and CO(2) at the modified electrodes were studied. The presence of Ag or Au NPs was found to increase the electrocatalytic efficiency of ZnPc toward O(2) reduction by 290% or 70% based on the current density measured at -0.35 V and toward CO(2) reduction by 150% or 120% based on the current density measured at -0.60 V respectively. Catalytic rate constants were increased 2-fold for O(2) reduction and 8-fold for CO(2) reduction due to Ag or Au NPs, respectively, which act as nanoelectrode ensembles. The synergic effect of ZnPc and metal NPs on the electrocatalytic reduction of O(2) is presented.

Chemical functionalization and modification of surface-bound cystamine–glycine monolayers on gold nanoparticles

Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and post-functionalization of Au nanoparticles that have been surface-modified with glycine–cystamine (Gly-CSA) stabilizing groups. We show that Au monolayer protected clusters (MPCs) can be synthesized via the Brust–Schiffrin method using a Boc-Gly–CSA stabilizer, followed by efficient removal of the Boc protecting group with trifluoroacetic acid. The resulting Gly–CSA Au MPCs are characterized via UV–vis, TEM, and 1H NMR, and are stable in solution over long periods of time. Finally, we show that the Gly–CSA Au MPCs can be further functionalized with nearly stoichiometric yields using activated esters of stearic acid and a Bodipy dye derivative. Thus, this work provides an alternative, general approach for the modification of the surface chemistry of MPCs.Key words: gold nanoparticles, peptide stabilizers, dyes.

Organic dye molecules as reducing agent for the synthesis of electroactive gold nanoplates

Highly crystalline, hexagonal and triangular nanoplates of gold are synthesized in high yield by a new wet chemical method using multifunctional molecules, Bismarck brown R (BBR) and Bismarck brown Y (BBY). This method involves a simple approach by keeping a mixture of aqueous HAuCl4 solution and BBR/BBY solution in presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) for 24 h. These nanostructures show unprecedented electrochemical properties exhibiting surface confinement effect. The UV-visible (UV-vis) spectrum shows certain distinct features with absorptions at 300, 400, and 650 nm extending up to the near infrared region. Selected area electron diffraction patterns of these nanoparticles show highly oriented (111) crystal facets. X-ray diffraction analysis also confirms the predominant orientation in the (111) crystal planes with lattice constant approximately 4.07 angstroms of face-centered-cubic (fcc) gold. X-ray photoelectron (XP) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis shows the presence of a fraction of reducing molecules as surface passivating agent either in the unreacted molecular state or as a mixture of reacted and unreacted product, which probably undergoes charge transfer with gold nanocrystals giving absorption at approximately 300 nm.

Enhanced Stabilization and Deposition of Pt Nanocrystals on Carbon by Dumbbell-like Polyethyleniminated Poly(oxypropylene)diamine

Pseudo-dendritic polyethyleniminated poly(oxypropylene)diamine (D400(EI)(20)) was used as a stabilizer and promoter to prepare Pt nanoparticles in aqueous solution, which was then deposited on carbon surface followed by calcination. After being deposited on carbon surface, no Pt(0) could be detected in the solution phase. In all steps, the increasing molar ratio of the amino groups of D400(EI)(20) to H(2)PtCl(6) ([N]/[Pt]) drastically reduced the size and the polydispersity and kept a constant low value after [N]/[Pt] = 20. Under a [N]/[Pt] ratio of 20, the particle sizes obtained from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were very small in solution (2.7-2.4 nm) and remained the same after being deposited on carbon surface (2.7-2.4 nm), and were only slightly increased to 3.6-3.0 nm after calcination. The stabilizing ability of D400(EI)(20) to Pt on carbon surface before and after calcination can be interpreted by the existence of binding energy between Pt and amine nitrogen. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern together with the TEM image reveals that the obtained Pt nanoparticles exist in single-crystal form. The results of photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) evidence that the metallic Pt(0) rather than the oxidized Pt is the predominant species in the Pt/C catalysts. The electrochemical active surface (EAS) area of the Pt/C catalyst is only slightly higher than that of the E-TEK Pt/C catalyst, but the utilization factor (93.4%) is remarkably higher than the latter (62.8%). The increasing time of thermal treatment increases the crystallinity of Pt(0) on carbon, accompanied by the increasing EAS areas, which corresponds to its enhanced electrocatalytic performance to methanol oxidation.

Stabilizing Effect of Pseudo-Dendritic Polyethylenimine on Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon

A new type of surfactant with a hydrophile of dendritic polyethylenimine (C(12)(EI)(7)) was synthesized by a cationic polymerization of dodecylamine with aziridine and was used as a stabilizer to prepare Pt colloid, which is then used in situ to prepare carbon-supported Pt nanoparticles. The effects of supporting carbon, surfactant concentration, and calcination time on the nanoparticle size and catalytic performance were determined from the transmission electron microscopic analyses and cyclic voltammograms. In the presence of carbon, the Pt particle size increased slightly with lower C(12)(EI)(7) content, while those with higher C(12)(EI)(7) concentrations remained unchanged. For the heat-treated Pt/C catalyst, the molar ratio of C(12)(EI)(7) to H(2)PtCl(6) ([N]/[Pt] ratio) dominated the growth of Pt nanoparticles. The size decreased from 7.6 nm for a [N]/[Pt] ratio of 5 to 3.8 nm for a [N]/[Pt] ratio of 40. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that metallic Pt(0) (81.6%) predominated the Pt species in the heat-treated catalyst, which is more than the commercial E-TEK catalyst. The data show clearly that thermal treatment had successively removed the stabilizing shells; moreover, it did not cause serious aggregation of particles in the presence of C(12)(EI)(7) and thus enhanced the catalytic activity. The interaction between Pt and C(12)(EI)(7) were studied and were explained in terms of a mechanism of dual-functional stabilization both on carbon and in the thermal treatment.

Photofragmentation of Phase-Transferred Gold Nanoparticles by Intense Pulsed Laser Light

Gold nanoparticles with an average diameter of approximately 20 nm were prepared in an aqueous solution by a wet chemistry method. The parent gold nanoparticles were then capped with a 4-aminothiophenol protecting layer and transferred into toluene by tuning the surface charge of the modified nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticles before and after phase transfer were subjected to photofragmentation by a pulsed 532 nm laser. The effects of solvent properties and surface chemistry on the photofragmentation of the gold nanoparticles have been investigated. Fast photofragmentation has been observed in the organic solvent in which the dielectric constant, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity are lower. The results suggest new approaches for the preparation of very small gold clusters from gold nanoparticles.